The Bravery of Serhiy Kandyba
Lieutenant Colonel Serhiy Kandyba of the National Guard of Ukraine, known by the call sign "Shah," was killed on May 2, 2022, during a mortar attack while defending Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and received the Gold Star Order. Despite this honor, his body has never been returned. The full truth about his death only emerged on February 9, 2024, when his driver Oleksandr, a witness to the events, was released from captivity.
Serhiy Kandyba was buried in a bomb crater beneath two cherry trees, a poignant symbol of his family’s tragic fate. His widow, Olha Kandyba, created a memorial site in a park in Kryvyi Rih, planting trees and installing sculptures of rooks in memory of her son. As Olha remarked:
“I channel my grief into good deeds. I feel that my son and my husband are with me when I work there. For me, it’s a way out of that state—to keep from falling apart, from burning out.”
A Double Tragedy for the Kandyba Family
The Kandyba family’s ordeal deepened when their younger son, Danylo (call sign "Hrach"), a special forces operator with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, died on August 3, 2025. His death was caused by the effects of banned chemical weapons used by the enemy. These events are part of a broader tragedy that has affected countless Ukrainians. Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians observe a moment of silence for all those whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war, including Azovstal hero Serhiy Kandyba and his son Danylo.
The memory of loved ones and their heroism lives on in people’s hearts, as well as in the memorial sites that their families continue to create. The Commander-in-Chief joins the moment of silence, honoring the fallen heroes.
The Kandyba family’s tragedy reflects the pain and loss experienced by many Ukrainian families during the war. Honoring the memory of heroes like Serhiy and Danylo has become a vital part of the national consciousness, reminding us of the sacrifice and courage with which Ukrainians resist aggression. Stories like that of the Kandyba family help preserve the memory of the fallen and underscore the need to fight for peace and justice in Ukraine.
In a similar vein of heroism and sacrifice, the story of Master Sergeant Tarik highlights the bravery of those who have defended Ukraine in the face of overwhelming odds. His valiant efforts at Donetsk Airport serve as a reminder of the countless lives impacted by the ongoing conflict, illustrating the profound loss experienced by many families across the nation.